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Senior News February, 2005 Vol. 26. No. 2
Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.
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Humboldt Senior Resource Center Back issues Table of Contents
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Is it Alzheimer's disease - getting a diagnosis by Jamie Kerr Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging. It is a devastating and progressive disease of the brain's nerve cells which impairs the memory, thinking and behavior of the affected person. The impact of Alzheimer's on individuals, families and our health care system makes the disease one of our nation's greatest medical, social and fiscal challenges. In a Gallup poll commissioned by the Alzheimer's Association, one in ten Americans said that they had a family member with Alzheimer's, and one in three knew someone with the disease. Many things can cause dementia. Some of these, such as drug interactions or thyroid problems, may be reversible if detected early enough. It is important to find out what is going on if you or someone you love is experiencing memory loss that is affecting your ability to function in daily life. How do we find out if it is Alzheimer's disease or one of the many other causes of dementia? This is a difficult question. There is no one diagnostic test that can detect Alzheimer's disease. The diagnosis is made after taking a detailed history of the person and reviewing the results of several tests, including a complete physical and neurological examination, a psychiatric assessment and laboratory tests. Once these tests are completed, a diagnosis of "probable" Alzheimer's disease can be made by process of elimination. Knowing what to expect and having the right information when making an initial doctor's appointment can make a world of difference in detecting is Alzheimer's disease. Ask yourself The Alzheimer's Association has prepared some questions that may assist you. • What symptoms have you noticed? Difficulty performing simple tasks? Recent memory loss that affects job skills? Poor or decreased judgment? • When did the symptoms first appear? • How have the symptoms changed over time? • Does the person suffer from other medical conditions? • Is the person taking any medications? • Have other family members been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease? Ask your doctor It is equally important that you know what questions to ask your doctor during this visit - what diagnostic tests your doctor will use, how long this process will take or what a diagnosis will mean. Information on Alzheimer's disease, current research, caregiving techniques and assistance for caregivers is available from the Alzheimer's Day Care and Resource Center, 1901 California St., Eureka. For information or to find out about our growing resource library, call 444-8254, ext. 206 or 207. Jamie Kerr is an Alzheimer's Care Support Liaison for the Alzheimer's Day Care Resource Center of the Humboldt Senior Resource Center. |
Senior News